Need new batteries for 360 Sundancer, any suggestions ?

[Hugo]

I need to replace the 4 batteries in my 360 dancer 2005. Now, I have 4 Deep Cycle 27 and the SeaRay Manual Instruction recommend 4 x 31DCM. My mecanics recommend to install 2 House batteries and 2 Cranking batteries to start the engines...I'm confused !!! Any recommendations or suggestions ?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Daryl]

I use 4 deep cycle blue top Optima gel batteries on my 360. Your 2005 battery charger should have a setting for them. Also, I never turn my charger off. Although these are deep cycle batteries, they do not do well if you run them completely down before recharging. Good thing about gels, you never have to check the water and they do not release corrosive mist into your engine compartment. My $0.02!

 

[Summerwind]

I recomend Deka 31 series commercial grade.

 

[gerryb]

I went with 3 Dual Purpose marine batteries from Costco. Spend about a month looking into this issue and concluded that the cost savings were substantial enough for me to go this route. I got slightly less than 5 years out of the 'came with the boat' batteries and hope to get that much with this set.

 

[hack4alivin]

Before you go out and spend your money on new batteries I would highly recommend you do yourself a big favor and search out “Batteries” in this forum and do your research.

There are many posts here that talk about a boat battery and it’s uses, and a common theme here is that a AGM battery is a very good option for power boaters who use the battery heavily for extended times. Here is just one thread:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21380&highlight=AGM+Batteries

Sears has group 31 AGM for around $240 each. That may seem a high price for a battery to some, but I am completely sold on them.

Do some thread searching and reading, it will be worth it to you.

 

[Skuza]

We used Sam's club batteries that lasted 5+ years.
This year we bought Deka's on a local group buy and got a great deal. We have 4 group 31 wet cell Deep Cycles and never had an issue with starting. Good luck!

 

[RollerCoastr]

4 group 31 wet cell Deep Cycles

Interesting. I have 5 Group 27's. How are your configured?

 

[ProMariner]

Optima batteries are not GEL they are AGM absorbed glass mat.

Just make sure that before you change your battery type you have a charger that can charge them correctly.

Typically this is not an issue but in some cases it will require a different charger.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jim

 

[my3sons]

We replaced the 4 OEM group 27's with new Deka group 27's before we cruised back from CT this spring. Three nights were spent along the Erie Canal with no shore power. We experienced no problems running 2 fridges and the freezer for about 12 hrs each night plus a little lighting and radio,etc. Have had no issues since and have not had to add any water this summer. I check levels first of each month. Only the first season with them but so far so good. My boat is an '03 so things may be different but my set up is: Port 2 batteries start the port engine and run the house. Starboard 2 batteries start the starboard engine and power the helm (all the switches, VHF,radar etc.) So putting 2 Deep cycle and 2 cranking doesn't make much sense to me?? Enjoy this finally beautiful weekend we are getting

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

I need to replace the 4 batteries in my 360 dancer 2005. Now, I have 4 Deep Cycle 27 and the SeaRay Manual Instruction recommend 4 x 31DCM. My mecanics recommend to install 2 House batteries and 2 Cranking batteries to start the engines...I'm confused !!! Any recommendations or suggestions ?

Thanks a lot!

Economically, you are already set up with wet cells so stick with what works. Optima are not made as well as they use to be. My local battery guy (only sells batteries) won't stock them anymore... too many returns from Boaters.

Wally world has nice grp 31's that last as long as any AGM. They have less amp hrs but it depends on what you are doing. I run three 31's from Wally World and get four years + out of them (1 starting and two house but all the same battery type due to my BlueSea battery system setup). BTW, I keep my plugged in 24/7 even over the winter when not boating. Total cost for all three is $255 which is pretty close to ONE AGM.

Costco does not sell anything bigger than grp 27's... But they have good batteries also...

If you intend to use your boat a lot on the hook for more than a couple of overnighters then maybe consider the AGM or gels. If not, save your money and by a boat toy...

 

[wweber52]

Hello all. We recently purchased a 2005 360 dancer. Time for 4 new Batteries. Can anyone recommend which ones would work the best? There are 4 batteries. The boat has twin 496 engines. Thanks for any input.

 

[Pgh330]

strongly suggest 4 - Series 31 AGM batteries, no need to modify your current setup.
Also I do suggest using the AGM marine Dual Purpose batteries at SAMS - cost about $180 each. They come with a 18 month warranty instead of a 36 month warranty with interstate. I have heard but can not verify that these batteries are "Deka" batteries just under the Duracell Name. Even if you get 3-4 Years with these -- you would be much further ahead in $$ Cost and effective. AGM's are totally maintenance free - no water - they use Absorbent Glass Matt technology -- just need to switch Battery charger to AGM charging or set it to AUTO - which the new Chargers automatically will recognize these as AGM. These batteries have many additional Benefits, slower discharge in cold, Faster Charging, no off-gassing, as they are Dual Purpose are also good for your House side and have high values in Starting / CCA values. In Fact since 2009 - Sea Ray suggests using only AGM batteries for all their Axius and Zeus Drives (which require consistent Voltage and amperage to their computers).